“We will have many more top level challenges after this. I am interested to see how the team does without a few important players, as that will test the character of the side,” said Moratti.

“We were upset at the Cagliari draw, as it could’ve ended in our favour, but these things happen.”

He was also asked whether there was a message for the fans, as he is believed to be on the verge of selling 70 per cent of the club to Indonesian investor Thohir. However, his response was decidedly cryptic, much more so than recent comments on the situation.

“For the moment I too am waiting to understand how it will all end. When there’s something to say, I’ll say it.